A focused fund to empower early-stage startups building the future of aerospace and defence technologies in India, powered by IIMA Ventures and Jaivel Aerospace.
The Aerospace & Defence Acceleration Fund is a strategic initiative designed to identify and nurture the next generation of deeptech innovators in the strategic sectors of aerospace and defence.
By combining IIMA Ventures’ proven track record in venture building with Jaivel Aerospace’s global design and manufacturing exposure, the fund provides a unique platform for startups to rapidly scale from prototype to market-ready solutions.
USD $400,000 in pre-seed/seed funding for each selected startup.
Hands-on mentorship from global leaders in deeptech, aerospace engineering, design, and manufacturing.
Access to global manufacturing network, development facilities, industry partnerships, and pilot opportunities with an aim to accelerate time-to-market.
UAVs, robotics, navigation systems, decision-support systems.
Encrypted communications, resilient networks, sensing systems, high-reliability electronics.
Emerging propulsion systems and cutting-edge aerospace innovations.
Precision engineering, process automation, next-gen fabrication technologies.
Lightweight composites, ceramics, functional materials with defence and aerospace applications.
Startups at the pre-seed or seed stage, essentially those seeking their first institutional investment in the aerospace, defence, and space-tech domains.
Ventures working at the intersection of autonomy, propulsion, AI, high-performance materials, and other critical deep technologies with dual-use potential, export scale, and measurable national impact.
Driven teams looking to leverage mentorship and a powerful industry network to accelerate their path to market.
The fund is a partnership between IIMA Ventures and Jaivel Aerospace (a global manufacturing technology company specializing in aerospace design and advanced manufacturing). The fund aims to support early-stage startups in the aerospace and defence sectors.
No, the fund is not structured as an AIF. It is initially being set up with balance sheet capital from IIMA Ventures and Jaivel Aerospace. Investment is structured as equity or equity-linked instruments, aligned to early-stage norms.
Yes. Startups must be legally registered in India or be actively in the process of establishing an Indian entity.
This is an acceleration fund that combines capital with structured sector-specific support, manufacturing access, and go-to-market guidance.
The portfolio startups will have direct access to global advanced manufacturing network, engineering expertise, and production capabilities, helping them build a robust execution model from the start.